Assessment Report Standard Format
July 1, 2006 - June 30, 2007
PROGRAM(S) ASSESSED
Earth and Environmental Sciences
BA/BS Geological Sciences
ASSESSMENT COORDINATOR Dr. Cindy Carney, Chair
Undergraduate Studies Committee
*Report prepared by Songlin Cheng
Interim Assessment Coordinator
YEAR __3__of a __3__YEAR CYCLE
1. ASSESSMENT MEASURES EMPLOYED
Briefly describe the assessment measures employed during the
year.

What was done?
Exit questionnaires were revised to encourage more specific
comments from students. These questionnaires were distributed to
students applying for graduation by the academic advisor. Copies of
the questionnaires were also mailed and emailed to students who
graduated with BA, BS, or minor degrees during the assessment year.
Information was collected about students’ plans after graduation.

Who participated in the process?
Undergraduate students and the Undergraduate Studies Committee
chaired by Dr. Cindy Carney.

What challenges (if any) were encountered?
1) The 2007 GL 434 (Field Geology) was not offered by the program,
and instead, four field modules were offered during the summer of
2007. The modules include basic field methods, field geology,
hydrologic methods, and geophysics methods. These field courses
span the division between assessment years, and are to be considered
as a part of 2006-2007 assessment year. However, there was no Field
Camp Director. The assessment on field course will need to be
discussed in the following assessment year.
2. ASSESSMENT FINDINGS
List the objectives and outcomes assessed during the year, and
briefly describe the findings for each.
Program Objectives BA/BS Geological Sciences:
Graduates will obtain positions as practicing geoscience professionals, or
pursue a graduate degree in Geological Sciences or related fields.
Findings:
Eight students graduated with either a BS or BA in geology. Four of these
students are currently graduate students in the Earth and Environmental
Sciences Department at Wright State University. One has been accepted
into the graduate program at University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado.
Learning Outcomes BA/BS Geological Sciences:
Outcome 1: Students will acquire the knowledge to understand
fundamental concepts of geology and be able to solve problems applying
that knowledge.
Outcome 2: Students will master fundamental field techniques necessary
to the solution of geological problems.
Outcome 3: Students will demonstrate the ability to write in a style
consistent with that found in a scientific journal.
Findings:
Outcomes 1: Five graduates are currently enrolled in graduate programs
at Wright State University (4) and University of Colorado - Boulder (1),
which demonstrates that the graduates have acquired the geological
knowledge needed for problem solving in geological sciences.
Outcome 2 &3: The interim coordinator was unable to find outcomes
related to #2 & #3. However, among the eight graduates, four finished
WSU Field Geology camp and three completed Albion College Geology
Camp. One was waived the requirement due to physical disability.
Responses to Exit Questionnaires:
Three students returned the exit questionnaire. All agreed or strongly
agreed with the statements that the BS/BA program enhanced their
understanding of geological research and enhanced their appreciation of
the value of the geosciences. One commented that the faculty is very
good and helpful. The students indicated that they had attained the skills
necessary to communicate their knowledge and research. All strongly
agreed or agreed with the statement that they can frame a scientific
question and describe the research that would be needed to answer that
question.
3. PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS
List planned or actual changes (if any) to curriculum, teaching
methods, facilities, or services that are in response to the
assessment findings.
The Interim Assessment Coordinator was unable to determine what
program improvements were proposed by the assessment team, other
than the need to finalize the field modules.
4. ASSESSMENT PLAN COMPLIANCE
Explain deviations from the plan (if any).
GL434 (field Geology) was proposed as a capstone course for the BA/BS
program in Geological Sciences. Because of the change from field
geology to multiple field modules, the assessment plan needs to be
modified to include this change.
5. NEW ASSESSMENT DEVELOPMENTS
Describe developments (if any) regarding assessment measures,
communication, faculty or staff involvement, benchmarking, or other
assessment variables.
During the Summer Quarter of 2006, the Geological Sciences Department
was combined with the Institute of Environmental Quality and renamed the
Earth and Environmental Sciences Department. We are continuing on
evaluating our undergraduate programs in light of new directions the
department will be taking over the next few years. We will likely be making
substantive changes to our undergraduate curriculum especially in the
number of programs offered at the undergraduate level and in the field
experience. This impacts directly on our future assessment plans. We may
be required to modify the timing of application of the Knowledge Survey
currently associated with field camp. It may be necessary to link the
survey to a different capstone course or to additional field experience
courses. The Undergraduate Studies Committee will develop a targeted
alumni survey to assess past performance and solicit ideas for the new
department.